The charm of resting around a hot fire in the fireplace on a chilly evening in winter is enchanting. The roaring blaze helps take the bite out of the air while begetting atmosphere. For many decades, fireplaces have served to provide warmth and,for years before that, a place to cook as well. Fireplaces have never lost their attraction and, in fact, have made substantial advances in popularity. During my five decades, their popularity has steadily traveled south though winters are stunted and summers are gargantuan. improved over the years, fireplaces are still in vogue|Although the latest advances have been made in climate control for our homes, fireplaces persist in being stylish.

With improvements in home heating the purpose for fireplaces has clearly changed. They are definitely not about simply heating your home. They are no longer used for preparing meals There has been no shortage of cook tops or ovens for years So why do we have this ever increasing love for fireplaces? My spectulation is that fireplaces provide mood when they're ablaze. And when they are not, they promote interest, a focal point and character to a room as well as charm. It would seem that fireplaces, and the mantels that frame them, have been, for some time, one of the definitive architectural elements that add to the flavor of our homes like embellished stairs, arched doorways, or decorative range hoods. These are good examples of a marriage between function and art.

"Wonderful marriage" has to be qualified because not all marriages of art and function are wonderful marriages. I recently had the occasion to observe a home that was probably eighty percent finished and witnessed some mighty awful unions. There was an island cabinet that had incredibly oversize and ornate corbels supporting the counter . The fireplace also had gargantuan stone pillars supporting the mantel board. The best thing that could be said is: "More is not necessarily better". Thankfully, there are many beautiful examples of form and function-just not in that home.

For many years millworks companies have become adept at building mantel shelves and surrounds. Demand is usually one step ahead of supply Because most cabinet makers build with wood, most mantels are crafted from wood. Heavy wood shelves, undergirded with crown molding supported by ornate corbels and fluted pilasters are a familiar style for many millworks suppliers. Hand carved mantels crafted in other parts of the world are not as widesread but are still available. The quality of these carved masterpieces is unmatched by the latest 21st century technological marvels. The small variations and minor defects are a signature that says "hand carved" and adds a special charm and unique quality. Mass production techniques will, never equal the skill of the masters. Carvers can undercut and form sharp interior cuts that are presently not possible with high tech methods.

It is obvious that fireplaces and the mantels that frame them are here for a long time. This is a marriage that has passed the test of time. As long as there are homeowners and designers that can appreciate the charm and homey pleasure afforded by them, we should not expect their demise. More likely they will continue to grace the homes in the cold North as well as the hot and humid South.